Georgetown staff asks commission to begin focused five‑year review of comprehensive plan, prioritize future land use map

GEORGETOWN, Del. — Planning staff told the Georgetown Planning Commission on Feb. 18 that 2026 is the five‑year review year for the town's comprehensive plan and proposed a focused review emphasizing the future land use map rather than a full rewrite.

Staff said municipalities must review their adopted comprehensive plan on a five‑year schedule and that the town should consider whether the future land use map reflects current and anticipated land‑use patterns. "Every 5 years we are required, every town is required to review, their adopted comprehensive plan and to assess whether any updates are needed," a planning staff member told commissioners.

Why it matters: The future land use map carries regulatory weight in subsequent rezoning and special‑district applications; staff noted changes to the map can enable different development types and trigger additional review by the Office of State Planning Coordination (PLUS). The commission will be responsible for voting to move any recommended map amendments forward to PLUS and then to town council.

Staff outlined three tiers of review: (1) a determination that no changes are needed; (2) minor amendments that may require PLUS review; and (3) a full rewrite (not recommended at this time). Staff said July 2026 is the formal five‑year checkpoint but that the deadline is flexible so long as the town demonstrates progress. Dorothy Morris, identified by staff as a Sussex County planner who assists with PLUS matters, was cited as a resource for guidance on thresholds between minor and major amendments.

Commissioners asked about workshop formats and public notice. Staff said the commission can do workshop‑style review during advertised, public meetings and that at least one public hearing is expected before any final vote on map changes. One commissioner warned that insufficient direct notice for future‑land‑use changes can lead to community backlash; another pointed to a past contested decision elsewhere that led to litigation as an example of the stakes when maps are altered.

What comes next: Staff proposed bringing future land use map materials, including printed large maps for commission review, and asked commissioners to consider potential parcels that landowners might petition to have reclassified. If the commission votes to recommend amendments, staff said they will advance the materials to PLUS for state review and then to town council for final action.

(Attributions: direct quotes and paraphrases drawn from the meeting record; Dorothy Morris was named in staff remarks as a Sussex County planner.)